thirteen individuals, identified as hunters, reportedly perished in a substantial assault led by Lakurawa, which occurred in the Sokoto region.
Heads turn grim as Lakurawa terrorists, a ruthless group operating in Sokoto State, ambush a group of seasonal hunters in Hurumi Forest, Talewa Ward, Tangaza Local Government Area. At least 13 innocent lives have been snuffed out in this brutal attack.
The unfortunate victims were on their annual hunting sojourn when they stumbled upon armed militants around midday on Thursday in the thick of Hurumi Forest. Mournful cries now echo from the affected communities, with three bodies found and ten still missing. A local resident shared, "Three bodies have been recovered, 10 are still missing. Some survivors have returned home."
Casualties were suffered by communities from Tangaza and Gwadabawa Local Government Areas. Details show that Kangiye lost five hunters, Chancha, Rantijadi, Gidan Kaji, and Gandaba Yamma each lost one, while Gandaba Gabas lost two.
A separate attack unfolded in Magonho village, also in Tangaza Local Government Area, on Friday. Military forces bravely fended off the attack, recovered rustled livestock, only to find their work cut out for them two hours later when Lakurawa gunmen destroyed an MTN telecommunications mast. The destructive act resulted in the severing of mobile network access in the community.
As confusion engulfs the community, a local government official disclosed that the hunters were not the terrorists' primary target. He alleged, "The Lakurawa intended to use the hunters to lure the military into an ambush." However, he added that the authorities are working diligently to ascertain the fate of the potentially abducted hunters.
The same official revealed that the group has diversified its tactics, focusing less on controlling villages and more on looting livestock and ambushing security personnel. Additionally, they've reportedly planted landmines along major routes, with Salewa Ward under their sinister control.
In response to the attack, Ghazzali Aliyu Rakah, Special Adviser on Security to the Chairman of Tangaza LGA, affirmed the attack and indicated that searches for the missing are in full swing. "We lack enough patrol vehicles and manpower. We've mobilised support from other local councils," he stated. Warning fingers point towards the growing use of landmines by the terrorists, following a previous incident in which soldiers were killed when their vehicle struck an explosive.
As the state grapples with the Lakurawa's nefarious activities, measures are being taken to enhance security. Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), security adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, underlined the critical role communities play in supporting security forces. "We need residents to stop shielding terrorists and support government efforts," he emphasized. Meanwhile, police spokesman DSP Ahmad Rufa'i confirmed the recovery and burial of two bodies with search operations continuing.
Terror Beyond the Headlines
Lakurawa terrorists, notoriously known for activities in Sokoto State, extend their reach into Kebbi. Their repertoire of tactics includes looting livestock, general terrorist activities, and radicalization with links to extremist outfits.
While the base article does not explicitly mention the group planting landmines along major routes, their tactics have included ambushing security personnel and civilians, such as the brutal attack on the unassuming hunters and the previous killing of 16 vigilantes in Kebbi.
As attacks continue, the need for effective strategies to address the root causes of their growth becomes increasingly urgent. Deployment of additional security forces, alongside constructive engagement with local communities, are being considered to combat the menace effectively.
- The Lakurawa terrorists, infamous for their activities in Sokoto State, have now extended their operations into Kebbi.
- Their tactics, which involve looting livestock and engaging in general terrorist activities, extend to radicalization and even links with extremist groups.
- Although not mentioned in the base article, there are reports suggesting that Lakurawa terrorists have planted landmines along major routes.
- One of their notorious acts includes the brutal ambush of an unassuming group of hunters in Sokoto State, claiming 13 innocent lives.
- Previously, they had also killed 16 vigilantes in Kebbi, demonstrating the severity of their attacks.
- As the attacks continue, the urgency to address the root causes of their growth and implement effective strategies becomes paramount.
- This includes deploying additional security forces and engaging constructively with local communities to combat the Lakurawa terrorists effectively.
